Azerbaijan regrets on US Department of State statement on elections

Tue 09 November 2010
News.Az has been provided with press-release of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to US Department of State statement made on November 8 regarding the parliamentary elections held on November 7, 2010 in Azerbaijan.

The document says that mentioned statement caused regret and surprise in Azerbaijan. Thus, US Department of State`s statement assessing elections in any country does not differ dramatically from assessment given to these elections by authoritative international organizations.

The US Department of State states “the November 7 parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan did not meet international standards”. This statement refers to the conclusions made by election observation missions of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, European Parliament. Nevertheless, the document cited does not feature assessment similar to the US Department of State`s conclusions.

Along with some shortcomings, the document of the international organizations underlines that the elections in Azerbaijan were characterized by a peaceful and debate atmosphere and all opposition parties participated in the political process and observation mission assessed positively the voting in 90 per cent of the polling stations. It shows the elections earned people`s trust in general.

At the same time, the Government of Azerbaijan deems its duty that conduct of democratic, fair and transparent elections is a major aim of the state and along with praising the progress achieved in this direction, the Central Election Commission and respective government agencies will seriously investigate some shortcomings in the election process and take necessary measures.

News.Az

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